A "Diabolical Disorientation"

The Fatima Seers: Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta

Dear Parishioners,

It was Sr. Lucia, the last living seer of Fatima, who was reported to have used the phrase "diabolical disorientation" between 1969 and 1971 concerning the chaotic situation in society (and the Church). Things were not headed in the right direction for decades, and she understood that there were/are certain diabolical forces behind it all. I certainly agree.

 

As it has played out over time in various cultures worldwide, the following are some of the ways I contend humanity/society has become ever-more disoriented:

• The denial of God to varying degrees (atheism, agnosticism, etc.)
• The ongoing acceptance of socialism (communism, Marxism) as a viable political option
• The emphasis on individual conscience (moral relativism) without understanding the necessity of the conscience being rightly formed
• Sexual freedom and license outside of the context of traditional marriage, fostered by a contraceptive mentality
• The ready acceptance of divorce and remarriage
• Abortion accepted and seen as a "woman's right"
• The transgender movement
• The deteriorating respect for human life at all stages as evidenced by abortion, infanticide, assisted suicide, euthanasia, etc.  
• The cry for "gay rights" and so-called "gay marriage"
• Cultures fueled by addictions at staggering levels: alcohol, drugs, sexual (pornography), gambling, etc.

Moreover, Pope St. Paul VI wrote the following in 1972 regarding the Catholic Church itself:

. . . We would say that, through some mysterious crack—no, it’s not mysterious; through some crack, the smoke of Satan has entered the Church of God.  There is doubt, uncertainty, problems, unrest, dissatisfaction, confrontation.

I argue that this smoke of Satan is manifested in the following ways:

• The delusion of universal salvation without the necessity of lifestyle change/conversion (Somehow everybody goes to heaven)
• Downplaying or denying the necessity of the Catholic Church and baptism for salvation (religious relativism/indifferentism)
• Mass apostasy
• Ever-decreasing Mass attendance
• Ongoing abuses in the liturgy
• Loss of respect for and understanding of the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament
• Priest sex scandals
• Lack of clarity in Church teaching and a departure from traditional dogma
• Confusing or weak/scandalous leadership
• The ongoing cry for women priests and abolition of celibacy

We, as a society and as a Church, have been headed over the  cliff and into the abyss for some time now.  However, I have never been without hope. God does indeed exist and there is always hope because of Him. And behold, I am with you always until the end of the age (Mt. 28: 20).  

I also believe we are in need of some type of Divine Adjustment to counter the chaotic situation we are encountering. I claim no supernatural insight into the manner of God's acting. Rather, I trust and continually work on my own conversion. Repent, and believe in the Gospel. I acknowledge the absolute necessity of trying to live and remain in the state of grace.  

My best advice is for everyone to strive untiringly to do the same.

Fr. Ed Namiotka

Pastor